Cat Controversy: Should They Live Inside or Out?
By: Andy Schroeder
Updated: October 18, 2007
A Tri-state family turned away from adopting a cat at the Vanderburgh County Humane Society says living outdoors is a better option for orphan animals than euthanasia.
"Ive had cats outside all my life, I grew up on a small farm," said Melissa, the woman turned away. She tried to adopt an animal to live on her 10 acres of land northeast of Evansville.
But Vanderburgh Humane Society staff say they have a strict policy that prevents adoption of cats to be outdoor pets. The policy stems from the higher incidence of disease, animal attack, parasites, and abuse outside cats suffer. "Were trying to adopt family pets in to a home," said VHS Director Kendall Paul, "if they are barn cats, thats how they are treated."
More and more shelters these days are following the same indoor adoption guidelines.
